Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University was established in Istanbul on February 19, 2009, by the "Vatan Health and Education Foundation" (VASEV) as a foundation university. Initially, the university was founded with 10 faculties, 2 vocational schools, and 3 institutes. However, it commenced operations in the 2010-2011 academic year, accepting its first students with 7 faculties and 2 vocational schools, starting with 860 students.

Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University aims to become a higher education institution and center of excellence committed to Atatürk's principles and reforms, by contributing to the country with knowledgeable, modern, well-equipped, experienced, socially beneficial, and research-oriented young individuals. The university strives to keep pace with global developments, aiming to contribute to research and efforts that will elevate Turkey to surpass contemporary civilization levels academically and technologically. It focuses on training a skilled workforce at associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

With its expert and experienced academic staff, the university collaborates with stakeholders such as government institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, providing universal-level education in various disciplines and contributing to research projects. The university's vision is to produce graduates sought after globally, become an institution that can direct academic work in its field, and be recognized as a center of excellence and research and development institution sought for scientific collaborations.

Since its establishment, the university has been recognized for its successful work, boasting a strong educational staff that includes both local and international members. In the 2019-2020 academic year, the university employed a total of 678 academic staff, consisting of 109 professors, 41 associate professors, 222 assistant professors, 214 lecturers, and 92 research assistants. These numbers demonstrate the university's commitment to providing the best education with a qualified teaching staff.

Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University currently comprises 10 faculties, including 2 vocational schools (one of which is in the field of health) and 3 institutes. It offers education in 27 undergraduate programs, 25 associate degree programs, and 32 graduate programs across various disciplines. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers programs in "English Language and Literature" and "English Translation and Interpreting," and the Faculty of Health Sciences offers a program in "Nutrition and Dietetics," all taught in English, while other programs are taught in Turkish. Additionally, students have the option to enroll in the English Preparatory Program. This variety allows students the freedom to choose educational paths that suit their interests and abilities.

Students who meet the necessary conditions can participate in Double Major (ÇAP) programs to earn dual degrees in different departments or faculties. Since the 2017-2018 academic year, this opportunity has also been available to students in the Vocational School and the Vocational School of Health Services.

Furthermore, students can enroll in a Minor Program to gain expertise in another field and obtain a certification of specialization. This flexible structure provides students with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in different areas of interest.

The university took a significant international step by obtaining the Erasmus Charter in its first year. This enables students to study for one or two semesters in 46 European countries through the Erasmus Program during their undergraduate education. Likewise, faculty and administrative staff can benefit from this program to represent the university and the country abroad, teach, and exchange knowledge. Additionally, the university has signed "Memorandums of Understanding" with universities in three different countries to strengthen international collaborations.

There are numerous student association clubs that diversify and increase in number based on student interests. As of the 2018-2019 academic year, there are 49 student clubs active in various fields, contributing to students' social, cultural, and academic development, enriching the university experience.